Waterfall Seasons of Australia - The Waterfall Guide

The river at Turpins Falls flows over a wide, high rock wall that surrounds the downstream pool on three sides. During my visit, the falls were a gentle trickle, but they can
produce a torrent of water after heavy rain. During moderate flow conditions, the falls split into two streams. There is a viewing platform at the top of the falls
and you can also walk down to the base of the pool directly in front of the falls.

The falls have been a popular cliff diving location,
but after a spate of deaths and severe head/spinal injuries, the managing authority has prohibited the practice. Low visibility in the water means that it is
impossible to see underwater hazards and further deaths and injuries from jumping/diving would be difficult to prevent.

The falls could easily be a significant tourist attraction in the region, such is the impressive size of the rock ledge over which
the falls flow. However, road access and signage is poor. The upside of this is that you can usually enjoy your visit here in peace, away from the maddening crowds.

The steps down to the falls are quite steep, and there are also some rocks to scramble over to reach the water's edge.

On my visit here, I also came across a snake
in the water, on its way across the pool to sun itself on the rocks on the opposite side. Whilst snakes
will generally avoid rather than confront people, and this one avoided me despite being quite close, I'd suggest wearing enclosed footwear on the way down the steps
and to the water.

The managing authority sometimes closes the track down to the base of the falls in Autumn if water levels are very low, so check with them before
heading out in Autumn.

Here is a video of the falls on a warm Autumn day. The falls were only a trickle but the pool was completely full:

Your Seasonal Guide:

Best Time of Year to Visit:

Best Time of Day to Visit:

Reliable flow in winter/spring. The falls can dry up in summer/autumn and the managing authority
occasionally closes the falls in Autumn if the billabong is very shallow.

Visit early morning to mid afternoon to see the falls and the billabong in full sun.

Other Information Before You Go:

Location: Shillidays Road, Langley, 100 km (approx. 70 minute drive) north-west of the Melbourne CBD.
Latitude:-37.133308 Longitude:144.482371
Getting there: Exit north from the Calder Fwy at the Edgecombe Rd (C326) turnoff near Kyneton. Travel for 11 km then turn left at
the East Metcalfe-Langley Road. Follow this road for 4 km, crossing the Campaspe River, then turn right at Shillidays Road. The Turpins Falls
turnoff is 1.3 km further, on the right hand side. Roads near the falls are dirt road, but accessible to 2WD vehicles.
Water source: Campaspe River
Approx. height: 20 m

Approx. width: 1-15 m, depending on flow conditions
Approx. length: Vertical drop
Swimming available at the falls:YesFacilities: Car park. No other facilities, so bring a spare plastic bag to take your rubbish home with you
Entrance fee: Not applicable
Opening times: Always open
Sun shade: Plenty of eucalypts
Wheelchair access: None
Prohibitions: No jumping or diving off the falls, no camping
Accommodation Options: Camping is not permitted at Turpins Falls. If you want to stay overnight near these falls, you can try
accomodation in nearby Kyneton.Managing authority: Parks Victoria
Nearby attractions: Historic town of Kyneton

Before you head out, make sure to read the
waterfall safety information and check with the managing authority for any current change of conditions.

Locality Map:

The marker indicates the location of the car park at the falls.

Comments:

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